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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Three different USC Upstate men's tennis players dropped three-set matches Sunday as the Spartans fell to Samford, 5-2, at the Samford Tennis Center.

The Bulldogs (2-0) claimed the doubles point as they claimed all three doubles matches to take a 1-0 lead.

Upstate (1-2) tied the match at 1-1 when Pierre Vernin picked up a win at singles No. 6 when Ryan Shidler retired after Vernin claimed the first set 6-4.  Ramiro Blanco gave the Spartans another point as he defeated Carson Kadi in straight sets (7-5, 6-2) at singles No. 1.

Matthias Kidler claimed set one (6-4), but dropped sets two and three as Zac Dunkle claimed the win at singles No. 2.  Yvon Haessig (singles No. 3) and Tyler Grove (singles No. 5) forced a third set but each fell in the decisive set.

The Spartans will return to action when they host Anderson University in the home opener Wednesday afternoon at 2 p.m.